Burn Fat Without Running

No surprise, running is one of the most effective activities for burning fat. It makes sense that the overall scorch would be greater because running — even if you’re not doing it well — involves the careful coordination of the limbs and the engagement of the core to stabilize the hips in stride. Science supports this, with a 2003 study in Great Britain finding that subjects running on a treadmill burned a higher amount of fat than those who trained using a stationary cycle.

Unfortunately, running isn’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other fat-busting cardio options. Unless you’ve been bugged out at your mountain bunker, you likely know that short bouts of intense exercise have been shown to increase fat burning, elevate resting metabolism and preserve muscle. Plus, they’re easy to do. By using your own bodyweight and some easy-to-find gear, you can get a fantastic, home-based cardio workout, sans treadmill.

This workout requires maximal effort on each exercise but never for more than a minute. For the resistance-based moves, you’ll start with the most demanding move — the jump squat — and work your way down to one that is less challenging, for more reps. You’ll alternate these moves with timed cardio activity, moving from a 30-second segment, to 45, then to 60 seconds.

The entire circuit, which lasts less than five minutes, should be repeated five times total for max effect. You’ll recover with 30 to 60 seconds of rest between circuits. (The hardcore can shorten this, if necessary, to keep hearts and lungs working overtime.)

This workout is proof that you don’t always need a treadmill to burn more fat. Sprinkle it in two to three times per week — either after weight training or on dedicated cardio days — to issue a pre-emptive strike on the coming holiday feasts.

Exercise

Reps/Time

Squat Jump

10

Burpee

30 Seconds

Kettlebell Swing

20

Jump Rope

45 seconds

Speed Skater

30 total

Mountain Climber

60 seconds

> Rest no more than 60 seconds between circuits (optional). Repeat five times total.

Building Block: Add another trip through the circuit each week, or try seeing how many rounds you can complete in 20 minutes.